Tuesday, February 1, 2011

A spill response guide is available for marinas with or without a fueling station

By Mary-Ellen Voss, Spills Program
You may wonder why a spill response plan might be important to your marina but the fact is when spills or other accidents happen, you can waste time in the confusion and panic of the emergency. Planning and practicing the steps you take to respond to a spill or a sinking boat can dramatically reduce the amount of time it takes to respond and reduces the impact a spill can have on the environment.

We know that as little as a quart of spilled oil, diesel or gasoline can contaminate acres of water and prove deadly to marine life. A planned response can reduce the adverse effects of a spill on environmental, economic, and cultural resources as well as the marina’s ability to keep operating. This can also reduce the size of penalties levied and the cost of cleanup.

Two of the components of a spill response plan are:Initial Actions List

Assess scene for safety hazards.

If safe, stop the flow.

Contain the spill if safe to do so.

Make the required notifications.

Clean up spill if safe and within your level of training. If necessary, contact a spill response contractor for additional resources.

Required Notifications

Call 911, if necessary.

Notify marina manager/operator.

Manager/owner or after-hours contact.

Contact the Spill Response Contractor, if necessary.

Report spill to the U.S. Coast Guard National Response Center at: 800-424-8802.

Report spill to the Washington Division of Emergency Management at: 800-OILS-911 or 800-645-7911.

In addition, there is a spill report form and other materials available that can assist you in gathering all the information needed when you make those emergency calls. A packet is also available that provides FREE oil spill prevention signage, an absorbent pad, a fuel pump notification tag and other materials simply by sending an email with your mailing address to Ecology.

The bottom line is, if a spill occurs, stop the flow and warn others in the area immediately. Shut off any ignition sources, including cigarettes, and contain the spill. Then, immediately call 800-OILS-911. By law, ALL spills must be reported.

About us

At Ecology, we’re proud to help protect Washington’s environment and quality of life. We strive to promote the wise management of our air, land and water for the benefit of current and future generations.